Legendary artist YOSHIKI headlined the “Hegra Candlelit Classics” concert on November 20 at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, marking both his first full performance since cervical spine surgery and a historic milestone as the first Japanese artist to perform among the ancient ruins.
The performance served as a powerful symbol of cultural exchange as Japan and Saudi Arabia commemorate 70 years of diplomatic relations. Members of the Saudi royal family, the Japanese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, international dignitaries, and fans from around the world witnessed the momentous event, with many describing themselves as “overwhelmed” and “moved to tears.”
A Stage 2,000 Years in the Making
Hegra, an ancient necropolis built approximately 2,000 years ago and Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, has hosted only world-class artists, including Andrea Bocelli and Ludovico Einaudi. Under the glow of thousands of candles, YOSHIKI’s piano resonated through the historic silence, creating a magical atmosphere that captivated all in attendance.
During “Kurenai,” the ruins bathed in crimson light produced a breathtaking fusion of history and music. “This place gave me a strong inspiration,” YOSHIKI reflected, before debuting his new composition “Larmes” (French for “tears”). The 12-song set also featured “The Seine”, completed in August, alongside iconic works including “Endless Rain” and “Art of Life.
Unprecedented Musical Dialogue
A highlight came when YOSHIKI performed with world-renowned trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf, delivering a surprise rendition of their new song “AlUla,” arranged just hours before the show. The piano-trumpet dialogue against the backdrop of ancient ruins mesmerised the audience.
“I am truly honored to be here,” said YOSHIKI, noting that the performance fell on his birthday, a detail that added personal significance to the historic occasion.
Cultural Bridge Between Nations
The day before the concert, YOSHIKI participated in “Yoshiki at AlUla Music Hub,” a talk session officially recognized by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of the 70th anniversary commemoration. Discussions focused on strengthening ties between Japan and Saudi Arabia through music, art, and culture.
“I am here today because of everyone,” YOSHIKI expressed after the concert, reaffirming music’s power to transcend borders. The evening marked both a watershed moment and the beginning of a new chapter in YOSHIKI’s legacy as a bridge between cultures.
For 35 years, the iconic whistled tune and serene beach featured in the Corona O’Tannenpalm commercial has quietly signaled the start of the holiday season. Now, Corona is expanding on the beloved ad with the introduction of the Corona Feliz Navidad Yule Log, an immersive video that blends the magic of the original commercial with a modern twist.
Debuting today on the Corona USA YouTube channel and on Roku starting Dec. 16, the Feliz Navidad Yule Log offers viewers an extended escape to the stillness and serenity of the iconic Corona beach during the busiest time of year. Staying true to the original source material captured decades ago, the scene comes to life with friends enjoying Corona by a beach bonfire, the soothing sound of waves, the familiar whistled tune and more.
Since first airing in 1990, the O’Tannenpalm commercial remains unchanged, featuring the classic palm tree, beach and whistled tune that is central to the brand. It is more than just an ad – it is a moment fans anticipate each holiday season. Fans can catch the original commercial on television again this holiday season and tune in to the Yule Log to further enjoy the laidback spirit that has made Corona the #1 most loved beer brand in the U.S.
“As what we believe to be the industry’s longest running holiday TV spot, the O’Tannenpalm commercial has been a cultural staple for 35 years – with its simple, yet magical tone that captures the spirit of the Corona brand,” said Rob Nelson, vice president of brand marketing, Corona. “The Yule Log format felt like the perfect way to extend the legacy, offering fans a peek at the beach scene after the cameras stopped rolling – and a new way to enjoy the season in a uniquely Corona way.”
Fans can sip, stream and bring la playa to their living room this holiday season by watching the Feliz Navidad Yule Log on the Corona USA YouTube channel. The Yule Log will also be available on Roku beginning Dec. 16 where fans can access it from the homepage and by searching for the “Corona Feliz Navidad Yule Log.”
O’Crannenpalm Cocktail
10 oz. Corona Extra
1 oz. Cranberry Juice
1 oz. Tonic Water
½ oz. Grenadine
Cranberries
Lime Slice
Pour 2 oz. of Corona Extra out of the bottle and save it for sipping. Add cranberry juice, tonic water, and grenadine to the bottle. Garnish with a cranberry skewer and sliced lime.
To learn more about Corona Extra visit CoronaUsa.com and follow Corona USA on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.
Lil Baby celebrates his birthday with The Leaks, featuring eatures Young Thug, Playboi Carti, and Lil Yachty. And, he continues ‘WHAM Wednesdays’ with new video, “Let’s Do It.”
Grammy-winning rapper Lil Baby officially releases date his long-awaited project The Leaks. Crafted as a fan-first offering, The Leaks compiles full versions of previously teased snippets and leaked songs that have circulated online over the years. Spanning multiple eras of Baby’s career — from his early rise to his current superstar run — the project serves as a special giveback to his day-one supporters for their unwavering loyalty. Rap heavyweights including Playboi Carti, Young Thug, Lil Yachty and more accompany Baby on this 15-track effort, which also coincides with his 31st birthday. Happy Birthday Wham!
Ahead of The Leaks official release, Baby kicked off new series WHAM Wednesdays, and previewed the rollout with five new drops — “All on Me” featuring G Herbo,” “Real Shit,” “Otha Boy,” “Try to Love,” and “Middle of the Summer.” To celebrate the release of The Leaks, Baby drops his newest visual for “Let’s Do It” featuring Playboi Carti and Skooly, marking the first-time collaboration between the megastar rappers. The video finds Atlanta’s brightest parked up against a fleet of luxury cars flaunting their cash amongst their cliques. The fun doesn’t stop there, as Carti and Baby trade fiery raps about their come up, with Baby glamorizing his rags-to-riches story. “Mama couldn’t afford cable / Now the big house with no neighbors,” he spits.
Earlier this year, Baby scored his fourth No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 with WHAM. He followed the achievement with his high-powered WHAM WORLD Tour, which hit major arenas across North America.
This year also marked the fifth anniversary of Baby’s seminal album My Turn, honored with a commemorative vinyl release celebrating the project’s status as the highest selling album across any genre in 2020.
Celebrating its milestone 10th anniversary, this year’s Commission—Gargantua’s Thumb—is now on view in MDD and will remain on display through spring 2026. Additional installations are also on view at the 20th edition of Design Miami’s flagship fair.
Gargantua’s Thumb brings to life a fantastical cast of sculptural furniture—whale, mermaid, alligator, dog, pelican, turtle, horse, trout, and crab—inviting moments of playful interaction. At the heart of the neighborhood, an interactive carousel will serve as the immersive centerpiece, while hundreds of colorful orbs embedded with flora- and fauna-inspired figures are suspended throughout MDD’s trees, creating a magical atmosphere.
Miami Design District Debuts Annual Design Commission: Katie Stout’s ‘Gargantua’s Thumb’ via 360 MAGAZINE. Photo: Nick Laham
The Life of a Show Dog: Celebrating 150 Years of Westminster
Collection celebrating milestone of the legendary dog show opens Dec 18th
The American Kennel Club® Museum of the Dog is thrilled to announce its newest exhibition, The Life of a Show Dog: Celebrating 150 Years of Westminster, which will run from December 18, 2025, through March 22, 2026.
Over the course of its 150-year history, The Westminster Kennel Club has woven itself into the societal fabric of New York as one of the City’s most beloved traditions. The Life of a Show Dog invites you behind the scenes of the iconic pageantry, precision and passion that define the enduring legacy of the second oldest continuously held sporting event in the country: The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
“The Westminster Kennel Club is America’s oldest organization dedicated to the sport of dogs, and the celebration of the role dogs play in our lives. For nearly 150 years, Westminster’s advocacy for purpose-bred dogs strives to honor each unique breed’s legacy and history, while enhancing the lives of all dogs,” said Dr. Donald Sturz, Westminster Kennel Club President and Show Chairman. “As we approach Westminster’s sesquicentennial milestone, we are thrilled that AKC Museum of the Dog is showcasing the people, traditions, and remarkable dogs that have shaped our story through this extraordinary exhibition.”
Drawn from the archives of The Westminster Kennel Club, Madison Square Garden, and the AKC Museum of the Dog, this exhibition illuminates the defining moments that have shaped the show’s remarkable history. Through portraits, rare footage, trophies, grooming tables, and other artifacts of devotion, visitors will discover the artistry, discipline, and heart behind the pursuit of “Best in Show.”
“It is an honor to celebrate the enduring legacy of one of New York’s most beloved cultural icons,” says Christopher E. Bromson, AKC Museum of the Dog CEO & Executive Director. “Westminster isn’t just a dog show; it’s a story that has been unfolding for 150 years. The Life of a Show Dog captures the devotion, perseverance, and excellence of the dogs and people who have pursued perfection in the ring, and offers an intimate look behind the scenes of this inspiring tradition.”
Experience 150 years of Westminster through the eyes of the dogs who made history.
For more information on this exhibit or the AKC Museum of the Dog, please visit www.museumofthedog.org.
About the AKC Museum of the Dog
Founded in 1982, The AKC Museum of the Dog is dedicated to the collection, preservation, exhibition, and interpretation of the art, artifacts, and literature of the dog for the purposes of education, historical perspective, aesthetic enjoyment and to enhance the appreciation for and knowledge of the significance of the dog and the human/canine relationship. The museum is home to over 1700 original paintings, drawings, watercolors, prints, sculptures, bronzes, and porcelain figurines, a variety of decorative arts objects and interactive displays depicting man’s best friend throughout the ages. The AKC Museum of the Dog is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization funded mainly by private and corporate gift donations. For more information on the AKC Museum of the Dog visit www.Museumofthedog.org
Get social! Follow the AKC Museum of the Dog on Facebook at @akcmuseumofthedog, Twitter at @akcMOD and Instagram at @museumofthedog.
About The Westminster Kennel Club
The Westminster Kennel Club, established in 1877, is America’s oldest organization dedicated to the sport of dogs. It hosts the iconic, all-breed Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the second-longest, continuously held sporting event in the U.S. after the Kentucky Derby and, since 1948, the longest nationally televised live dog show. The Club’s mission is to enhance the lives of all dogs by celebrating the companionship of dogs and promoting responsible dog ownership and breed preservation. The Club advocates for purpose-bred dogs, with an understanding that each breed has a legacy and history that deserves to be taught, honored, and preserved. The Club uses education to raise awareness and encourage owners to conscientiously select dogs that are the right match for their families. The annual dog show — a conformation competition for purpose-bred dogs — and the Masters Agility Championship and Masters Obedience Championship — where dogs from all backgrounds are eligible to compete — make Westminster Week, with thousands of dogs from the U.S. and around the world, a pinnacle experience for any dog lover. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has captivated canine enthusiasts for more than a century. WESTMINSTER. There’s only one.®
The 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will take place January 31 and February 2 & 3, 2026 in Manhattan. For ticket information and to learn more, visitwestminsterkennelclub.org.
PEACOCK’S BEL-AIR STARS GO HEAD-TO-HEAD WITH FANS AT NBC SPORTS LEGENDARY FEBRUARY TRIPLE THREAT CONTEST IN LOS ANGELES
NBC Sports welcomed Bel-Air stars Jabari Banks, Olly Sholotan, Simone Joy Jones and Akira Akbar to the Legendary February Triple Threat Contest to Los Angeles, recreating the energy and excitement of NBC Sports’ marquee February events — Super Bowl LX, the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, and the NBA All-Star Game.
Open November 23–25 at L.A. LIVE, the immersive three-day fan activation invited fans to compete in a QB Toss, Basketball Jump Shot, and Curling Throw for a chance to win the ultimate at-home viewing setup complete with a brand-new TV, premium sound system and cozy essentials.
The activation drew crowds attending a sold-out show at Crypto.com Arena, a pro hockey game, and the Lakers vs. Clippers matchup airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock, uniting fans across sports, pop culture, and fandom during one of L.A. LIVE’s most exciting weekends.
The first three episodes of Bel-Air’s highly anticipated fourth and final season are available to stream now on Peacock. New episodes drop weekly on Mondays with two episodes on December 1 and three episodes, including the series finale, on December 8.
As his final project, the legendary Prince of Darkness joined forces with artistic apes from Save the Chimps to create an exclusive set of abstract paintings to raise funds for the non-profit organization.
The U.S. debut of an exclusive collection of paintings created by the late rock icon Ozzy Osbourne and artistic chimpanzees, will be unveiled at this year’s 15th annual Spectrum Miami art fair, on Osbourne’s birthday, during this week’s Miami Art Week, taking place December 3—7 at the Mana Wynwood Convention Center in Miami.
Weeks before his passing in July this year, the legendary Prince of Darkness joined forces with non-profit organization, Save the Chimps, to create a joint collection of abstract paintings with chimpanzees who paint at the Florida sanctuary in Fort Pierce. Osbourne painted intricate, multi-colored basecoats on five canvases, then the ape artists at the sanctuary added their own brushstrokes. The original five signed artworks, named after Osbourne’s own songs or albums, was made available exclusively at Omega Auctions – one of the top auction houses worldwide for music memorabilia and sold for $75,000 in an auction that launched the week after Ozzy’s farewell show and one week before he died. The top-selling painting, titled “Paranoid” created by Ozzy and chimp Janice sold for $18,000. Ozzy’s Facebook post launching the collection was one of his very last and wife Sharon Osbourne wrote that Ozzy was fully aware that the collaboration was a runaway hit, and it brought a smile to his face during his last days.
“I paint because it gives me peace of mind, but I don’t sell my paintings,” said Ozzy. “I’ve made an exception with these collaborations as it raises money for Save the Chimps, a sanctuary for hundreds of apes rescued from labs, roadside zoos and wildlife traffickers.”
To mark Ozzy Osbourne’s December 3rd birthday, Sharon Osbourne is helping launch limited edition prints from the collection and five abstracts Ozzy painted, titled “Blizzard of Ozz,” “Electric Funeral,” “Paranoid,” “Tattooed Dancer,” and “Technical Ecstasy.” The collection will make its U.S. debut at Spectrum Miami, Dec. 3—7, where Save The Chimps will be selling limited edition numbered prints for $150.00. All sales benefit Save the Chimps sanctuary in Florida.
“Chimps are our closest relatives in the animal world, and I’m proud of Ozzy for summoning the energy to support them during his last months, despite his health challenges,” says Sharon Osbourne. “The original paintings raised much needed funds for the sanctuary, and the prints, scarves and t-shirts will give even more fans the opportunity to help.”
At Spectrum Miami (and through its website), limited edition prints, just 50 of the five paintings with numbered certificate of authentication, will be available for $150, together with 38×38 scarves with images of three of the paintings ‘Paranoid,’ ‘Tattooed Dancer,’ and ‘Technical Ecstasy’ will be sold for $75. T-shirts with images of two of the paintings Blizzard of Ozz and Paranoid will be available to buy for $35.
Save the Chimps Events Director Dan Mathews previewed the paintings to the Osbournes in Birmingham just ahead of Osbourne’s farewell performance.
“Only about 10% of chimpanzees enjoy painting at the sanctuary,” says Mathews. “Ozzy was a man of the people, so we priced the prints and merch so his fans could participate in this fundraiser that we decided to launch on Ozzy’s birthday that coincided with Miami Art Week. Painting is just one of many enrichment activities we offer our residents,” Mathews says. “Some really enjoy it, while others prefer food puzzles, foraging activities, or picture books.”
Founded 25 years ago and situated on 150 acres in Fort Pierce, Florida, Save the Chimps is the largest privately funded chimpanzee sanctuary in the world. Supporters include Jane Goodall, Paul McCartney, Bryan Adams, Alan Cumming, Gillian Anderson, and The B-52s, and the Arcus Foundation. Corporate sponsor FedEx provided free shipping of Ozzy’s collection to and from the sanctuary.
Spectrum Miami, now in its 15th year, is where contemporary meets extraordinary, featuring the works of more than 200 exhibiting galleries and artists, located adjacent to its sister fair, Red Dot Miami. Spectrum Miami presents special programs and site-specific exhibitions that showcase the thriving art landscape of the city by exhibitors from the Florida region, the U.S. and around the globe. Within Spectrum Miami, [SOLO] offers established and emerging independent artists the opportunity to showcase their work on an international stage. Over the decades, [SOLO] has become the ultimate venue for independent artists to be discovered, not only by gallery owners and art publishers, but also by collectors and enthusiasts. Also featured within this year’s Spectrum Miami is the Spectrum FOCUS Pavilion, featuring outsider art, street, art, pop art and urban art, as well as the Spectrum Taste District and Spectrum Art Theater.
The Opening Night VIP Preview for Spectrum Miami and Red Dot Miami will take place from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3rd, featuring libations and musical entertainment. A VIP Total Ticket for the Opening Night Preview is priced at $70 per person in advance (increasing to $95 on Dec. 3) and includes access to all fair dates, Dec. 4 through Dec. 7. A General Admission 1-day Ticket for Spectrum Miami and Red Dot Miami is $30 per person in advance (increasing to $50 on Dec. 3) and includes admission to one fair date – Dec. 4 through Dec. 7.
Golden Globe and Grammy-nominated recording artist, songwriter, actor, and producer Nick Jonas officially reveals the highly-anticipated release of his new solo album, Sunday Best, arriving February 6th via Republic Records. Marking his first solo project in nearly five years, the album captures Jonas at his most open, introspective, and artistically renewed.
On the new album, Nick shares, “I’m so excited to share these new stories, candid thoughts, quiet walks home in the city, and snapshots of my life over these past few years. And while this album was made over the course of the last two years, it was truly 33 years in the making.”
Jonas first unveiled the album yesterday at his intimate Sunday Best Brunch event in Las Vegas, treating 170 fans to the first-ever live performances of several new songs off the project. He was also joined by Daniel Wall of Behind The Wall Podcast for a thoughtful conversation exploring the inspirations, stories, and creative journey behind the album, as well as various album collaborators, including JP Saxe, Josette Maskin of MUNA, Blush, and Ryan Daly. See photos and videos from the event HERE (Credit: Matt Robertson).
On Sunday Best, Nick dives deeper than ever before, drawing from important life chapters–both celebratory and challenging–that he’s faced over the past year and the new perspective he’s gained as both a husband and father. Through unguarded storytelling and moments he has never previously shared publicly, the album offers listeners an intimate look into his world.
Sonically, Jonas draws inspiration from his musical roots and early years singing in church choirs, infusing the record with the warmth and spirit of musical influences from both his childhood and adult life. Sunday Best features vivid lyricism, rich and soulful arrangements, and warmly layered instrumentation that highlight his most emotionally resonant work to date.
With Sunday Best, Nick Jonas invites fans to experience a bold new chapter. One marked by honesty, growth, and a profound sense of rediscovery.
NICK JONAS ANNOUNCES NEW SOLO ALBUM ‘SUNDAY BEST’ via 360 MAGAZINE.
Dr. Prudence Hall Explains New HRT Guidelines After FDA removed Black Box Warnings
The FDA’s removal of black box warnings from hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications marks a transformative moment in women’s health, reshaping both public perception and clinical practice regarding menopause management and disease prevention. Dr. Prudence Hall, a renowned gynecologist specializing in menopause and bioidentical hormones, emphasizes that this regulatory pivot. based on up-to-date scientific findings. restores lost opportunities for women to embrace safer, more effective care throughout midlife and beyond.
The Origins and Impact of Black Box Warnings
Black box warnings represent the FDA’s strongest caution for medications, and in 2002, these alerts were added to estrogen and estrogen- progesterone HRT products after the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study reported heightened risks of heart attack, stroke, and breast cancer in older postmenopausal women. However, many clinicians, including Dr. Hall, have long criticized these warnings as overly broad, stemming from flawed study designs that focused on women typically in their 60s and 70s and used a hormone formulation less common today. The fallout for women was profound: for over twenty years, both patients and providers were discouraged from considering HRT, limiting relief and preventative options across the U.S..
What Is HRT and Who Benefits Most?
Hormone replacement therapy is the administration of estrogen, often combined with progesterone, to counteract the declining hormone levels that drive menopause symptoms: hot flashes, night sweats, mood shifts, and bone loss. Modern protocols, emphasized by experts like Dr. Hall, frequently employ bioidentical hormones. compounds structurally identical to those the body naturally produces. Properly customized HRT not only brings rapid symptom relief but reduces the future risk of chronic conditions such as osteoporosis, diabetes and cognitive decline such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Restoring Balance: Hormones as the Body’s Operating “Software”
Dr. Hall affirms that hormones function as an intricate internal operating system, sending essential signals that orchestrate everything from metabolism and energy to immune response and mental clarity. When hormone levels drop, especially around menopause, this “software update” is missed, leading to widespread system slowdowns or malfunctions. Balancing and optimizing hormones, she asserts, can yield improvements in vitality far beyond simple symptom relief. For this reason, she has developed her own line of Body Software, a complete line of adaptogens, bioidentical hormones and essential minerals.
Removing Barriers: The New FDA Guidelines
After a comprehensive review of the latest research, including long-term studies indicating that benefits outweigh risks when HRT is used correctly, the FDA, in November 2025, mandated the removal of black box warnings related to cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and dementia for many systemic HRT medications. The new guidelines stress that the greatest benefits and lowest risks occur when HRT is started within 10 years of menopause or before age 60, a message now front and center in updated patient labeling.
Addressing Persistent Myths: Timing, Safety, and Individualization
A persistent myth — that women must start HRT during perimenopause or very early in menopause — has long kept older patients from seeking help. Dr. Hall has found profound evidence to the contrary. Over her four decades of work supporting women through menopause, Dr. Hall’s patients have consistently reported improved memory and cognition in their 60s, 70s, and 80s as a result of HRT therapy.
Moving Forward: Empowerment and Prevention
With the FDA’s updated stance, clinicians and patients can finally engage in candid, evidence-based conversations about HRT, free from the stigma and confusion of outdated warnings. Dr. Hall’s message is clear: by maintaining balanced, youthful hormone levels through the use of modern, bioidentical options tailored to the individual, women can reclaim not only symptom relief but also lay a stronger foundation for long-term health, energy, and radiant aging.
This regulatory leap represents not just a technical guideline shift, but a cultural watershed, ensuring women are no longer held back by fear, but empowered to make nuanced, informed decisions about their care, longevity, and quality of life.
About Dr. Prudence Hall
Dr. Prudence Hall is a traditionally-trained gynecologist and surgeon who pioneered integrated and regenerative medicine, focusing on natural solutions and holistic health beyond treating symptoms. She founded her practice in Santa Monica, specializing in regenerative medicine and offering virtual consultations and custom treatment plans based on comprehensive hormonal analysis. Dr. Hall is recognized as a top menopause expert and has helped over 40,000 patients during her 35-year career.
Etaily lands strategic investment from Japan’s SMBC – bringing total funding to $24M for Social Commerce enablement platform
etaily, the Philippines’ digital-native retail platform, has secured new strategic investments led by Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), through its SMBC Asia Rising fund, bringing its total funding to over $24 million. Other investors in this round include Kaya Founders, JGDEV of the Gokongwei Group as well as other notable Asia-based families.
etaily enables some of the world’s best-known consumer brands in Southeast Asia, including Levi’s, Skechers, Abbott, L’Oreal among others. Etaily operates the eCommerce and marketing arm of more than 80 consumer brands and combines this with brand building, in having built Philippines fastest growing pet food brand Floof Pets next to supplements brands Nutrie among others. Gross Sales have doubled in the last 12 months as it accelerates growth in the region’s $230B retail market.
The Financial Times ranks etaily as one of the fastest growing companies in the Asia-Pacific region in 2025.
Expanding across Southeast Asia with WPP partnership
Headquartered in the Philippines, etaily aims to build a multi-country cluster across Malaysia, Singapore, and beyond, enabling brands to enter and scale in Southeast Asia. A recently announced partnership with WPP Media strengthens etaily’s retail and media enablement capabilities, combining commerce infrastructure with world-class marketing expertise. The WPP Media Partnership aims to address Social Commerce Needs for clients in the cluster Philipines-Malaysia-Singapore, with recently first lifestyle brands onboarded in this cluster.
Southeast Asia’s e-commerce market is projected to reach $230 billion in GMV by 2026, with the Philippines identified as the fastest-growing e-commerce market globally in 2024, expanding 25% year-on-year.
According to Bain & Company, the region is expected to gain 140 million new consumers by 2030, with the Philippines leading in digital adoption. The country also records the highest online utilization rates in Southeast Asia, with users spending an average of eight hours per day on mobile devices.
As part of Etaily’s ongoing growth, the company has further strengthened its board governance. Ayala Corporation will now be represented by Mark Uy, Managing Director and Head of Corporate Strategy and Business Development. Etaily also welcomes Brian Go, Chief Financial Officer of the Gokongwei Group, as a new board member. The board additionally includes representatives from Temasek’s Pavilion Capital and others. This new composition reinforces Etaily’s strategic governance and alignment with its long-term regional expansion goals.
A platform built for global brands
Founded in 2020 by Alexander Friedhoff, etaily has processed over 40 million orders across Lazada, Shopee, TikTok Shop and brand.com channels. Its proprietary commerce engine spans the full value chain, from brand development and operations to fulfillment and analytics, including the recently launched Livestreaming, Affiliates and Shortterm video solution.
Alexander Friedhoff, Founder & CEO of etaily, said: ”For the last five years, we’ve focused on building etaily into a commerce powerhouse for global brands in Southeast Asia. Now it is time to double down on the latest developments in Social Commerce and Livestreaming. With our massive focus on fully controlled livestream studios we will be able to offer asset-light operations, and now strengthened partnerships and investors, we are positioned to lead the next wave of online-first, offline-to-follow retail in our regional cluster.”
Katsufumi Uchida, Head of Asia Pacific Division and Managing Executive Officer of
SMBC added: “As we celebrate 10 years in the Philippines, SMBC Group remains dedicated to our Asia Multi-Franchise strategy, leveraging our extensive branch network to strengthen our presence in the Philippines and across the region, striving for the continued economic growth in the Philippines. We are excited to contribute to the expansion of local commerce ecosystems and to connect financial services with the evolving digital marketplace through strategic partnerships such as with etaily.“
Etaily’s growth has been supported by a range of prominent investors, including major conglomerates like Ayala Corporation, Southeast Asia’s oldest conglomerate, as well as the Gokongwei Group, Landmark’s Cheng family, and the Po family behind Century Pacific Food Corporation. In 2023 Etaily raised its last funding round, a Series A which was led by an investment from Taiwan’s SKS Capital and Singapore’s Pavilion Capital, a private equity firm under Temasek Holdings. Other investors include the Magsaysay Family, Kaya Founders, Japan’s SBI (former Soft bank) ICCP Fund and Foxmont Capital.
